A nurse is discussing the differences between skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?
Clients with skin traction have more mobility than those with skeletal traction.
Clients with skin traction have more discomfort than those with skeletal traction.
Skeletal traction is more appropriate than skin traction for reducing a fracture.
Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Skin traction is indeed less restrictive than skeletal traction, allowing for more mobility. It is applied using bandages or adhesive material to the skin, which can be removed or adjusted more easily than the pins or screws used in skeletal traction. This type of traction is typically used for short-term treatment before surgery or when the injury is less severe.
Choice B reason:
Discomfort levels can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the traction. However, skin traction is generally considered to be less painful than skeletal traction because it is less invasive and applies less force. Skeletal traction, which involves the insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, is likely to cause more discomfort due to the invasive nature of the procedure.
Choice C reason:
Skeletal traction is more appropriate for reducing fractures, especially in cases where a greater force is needed to align the bones. It involves the surgical insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, allowing for a stronger and more stable pull that is necessary for the realignment of complex fractures.
Choice D reason:
Skeletal traction carries a higher risk of infection compared to skin traction because it is more invasive. The insertion of pins or wires into the bone creates a potential entry point for bacteria, which can lead to infection at the site of insertion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is: a. Temperature, c. Color, d. Sensation.
Choice A: Temperature
Reason: Monitoring the temperature of the affected extremity is crucial in evaluating neurovascular status. A cool or cold extremity can indicate decreased perfusion, which may be a sign of neurovascular compromise. Normal skin temperature should be warm to the touch, indicating adequate blood flow.
Choice B: Ecchymosis
Reason: Ecchymosis, or bruising, is not a direct indicator of neurovascular status. While it can provide information about trauma or bleeding, it does not assess the functionality of nerves or blood vessels in the affected extremity.
Choice C: Color
Reason: Assessing the color of the extremity is essential. Pallor or cyanosis can indicate poor blood flow or oxygenation, which are critical signs of neurovascular impairment. Normal color should be consistent with the rest of the body, indicating good circulation.
Choice D: Sensation
Reason: Evaluating sensation helps determine if there is any nerve damage or impairment. Changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling, can indicate neurovascular compromise. Normal sensation should be intact and symmetrical with the unaffected extremity.
Choice E: Skin Integrity
Reason: While skin integrity is important for overall wound healing and infection prevention, it is not a primary parameter for assessing neurovascular status. It does not provide direct information about blood flow or nerve function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Positive Trousseau's sign
Trousseau's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not CTS. It is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm to above systolic pressure for 3 minutes. A positive sign is characterized by carpal spasm, which is not related to CTS.
Choice B reason: Cool extremities
Cool extremities can be a result of various conditions, including peripheral vascular disease or hypothyroidism. They are not a specific indicator of CTS, which primarily affects nerve function rather than blood circulation or temperature regulation.
Choice C reason: Decreased radial pulse
A decreased radial pulse is not typically associated with CTS. It may indicate a cardiovascular issue or a blockage in the radial artery, which would require further investigation unrelated to CTS.
Choice D reason: Positive Phalen's sign
Phalen's sign is a diagnostic test for CTS. The test is performed by having the patient flex their wrist maximally and hold the position for about 60 seconds. A positive Phalen's sign, which includes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half of the ring finger, is indicative of CTS. This occurs due to increased pressure on the median nerve when the wrist is in flexion.
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